Exams at the PFH University

Written exam

• In a written exam, the exam questions deal with the contents of a lecture or a seminar. Usually, the lecturer gives some advice and hints as to the type of questions that will be asked. 
• When you show up for the exam, you must bring your national ID card or passport, as well as your student ID. 
• Exams are graded from 1.0 to 5.0, with 1.0 being the highest grade. You need at least 4.0 to pass. Once you have received the grade for your exam, it is possible to review your corrected exam. This is usually done at the examination office. 

Oral exam

• Like written exams, oral exams are also given at the end of a lecture or seminar. 
• In the presence of an examiner, your lecturer will ask you questions about a previously agreed subject area, or about the content of a particular course. 

Things to note:

• You have to sign up for all exams
• The exact examination procedure depends on your programme; in all cases, though, it is vital that you remember the registration deadline!
• If you want to receive more information read the examination policy or ask your examination office or the student body representatives of your department!

You can take exams at the same times as in-person exams at our exam locations or online. All you have to do is register as usual for your exam date(s) and select the online option under location. You will then receive your registration confirmation, access information and further details on the course of the exam(s) via email.

The distance learning centres of the PFH University are also examination locations. We have 22 locations in Germany and one in Vienna, Austria.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog post on exams at the PFH University. Should you choose to start your studies here, take a look at the different distance learning studies we offer. 

At PFH we make sure you receive a high-quality education while fully experiencing being a distance learning student!

Do I have to take a module again if I did not take the exam in the first and/or second exam period?

As a rule, you do not have to take the module again. All you have to do is register for and take the exam again. However, there are expectations to module repetition for some modules. When in doubt, ask us. 

What happens if I fail an exam?

In this case, you can retake the exam in the next exam period. Generally, you can do up to 3 repetitions of exams or partial performance. 

What do I need to know about plagiarism and fraud?

In particular, let us talk about online and open book exams (distance learning e-exams). 

• Your exam must be an independent exam. Certain aids are permitted for distance e-exams, like notes, printed matter, etc. Your lecturers will let you know what is and what is not permitted. 
• If texts or essential ideas are taken from documents accompanying the exam, these must be clearly identified as quotations in order not to be considered plagiarism. 
• Please bear in mind that good academic work also applies to exams. If violations are evaluated as an attempt to deceive, this results in the evaluation of the work as “insufficient” (5.0). The exam attempt is then considered to have been taken!

How is the camera used during distance learning e-exams?

E-exams are generally defined as open book exams. Lecturers will ask you to turn on your camera for authentication. The camera is usually used in the private sphere. Objects that external parties should not see should not be in the audible or visual range of the camera and/or microphone. 

What can I do if I have a problem with an exam grade?

In principle, lecturers are free to make their own decisions regarding the implementation of teaching and examination. Of course, there is also a legal framework within which they act. If you have the impression that decisions are not correct or that rules are not applied, please contact your lecturer immediately after the results of the exam have been announced and ask for an appointment